Today, we’re reading Austin Smith’s “Lords of Lambeau” from Harpers Magazine. How does Smith set the scene for his pilgrimage to Lambeau? Why does Smith provide a brief history of the Packers’ first season? Smith shares details of his own experiences playing football. Why? What does this tell us about his trip to Lambeau? What… Read More Lords of Lambeau
Today, we’re reading something a little different in David Treuer’s “Off the Land” from Harpers Magazine. Instead of our normal rhetorical analysis, take the story in. Consider the following questions as you read, and be prepared to share some of your responses in class: Which detail in the story felt most Minnesota, northwoods to you? … Read More Off the Land
In “To Be Both Midwestern and Hmong” from The Atlantic, Doualy Xaykaothao argues that Hmong people still struggle for acceptance in Wisconsin. With that in mind, answer the following questions: What happens in the opening paragraphs of the article? Why do you think Xaykaothao opens with this scene? How does it impact your reading of… Read More Midwestern and Hmong
Today we’re reading Campbell’s “How America’s Past Shapes Native Americans’ Present” from The Atlantic. What is the rhetorical effect of the first two paragraphs? How do they capture your attention? Campbell provides a lot of historical context for her argument. Why do you think she does this? Which historical event do you find most disturbing?… Read More Native Americans’ Present
Today, we’re reading Justin Glawe’s New York Magazine piece, “The Message from the Heart of the Atlanta Attacks: ‘America Is Getting Worse’”. After reading the article, answer the following questions: What event in Atlanta is the article referring to? If you don’t find it clear from the piece, try googling it. What does Glawe’s description… Read More Heart of Atlanta and America
Today, we’re looking at a Story Corps, The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. You can either listen to the story or read the transcript. Post a two-minute video response. You may find answering some of the questions below helpful: As you listened to this story, what surprised you most? Provide specific examples. Why is… Read More LGBTQ+ in the Military
Today, I’d like you to watch the Cadillac commercial (below). Then, read Carolyn Gregoire’s article, “Cadillac Made a Commercial about the American Dream, and It’s a Nightmare,” from The Huffington Post. Next, answer one of the follow questions with a 200-word response. As always, try to draw specific details from the video or reading to support… Read More Cadillac Dreams
Today, we’re looking at two paintings that depict the an experience of living in the United States: Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” (1930) and “Greater Than Fear” (2017) by Obey (Shepard Fairey). For this response, record a 2-minute video that explains why one of these images is “American.” Consider sharing the screen with the image so… Read More Greater Fear American Gothic
TW: this music video depicts gun violence Today, we’re listening to/watching Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” (video below). As you watch, take notes about what you see, review the lyrics, and think about the story Glover is trying to tell us with this song. Answer the one following questions. Try and write around 200 words.… Read More Childish Gambino – This Is America
Today, we’re looking at Alaa El-Saad’s This I Believe essay, “America’s Beauty Is in Its Diversity”. You can read the transcript or listen to her recording. Once you’ve read her essay, answer one of the following questions. Your response should be around 250 words. What do you think of El-Saad’s claim that “America is built… Read More America’s Beauty Is Its Diversity
Alison A. Lukowski 